Telling what it's like to work on recovering from the effects of alcoholism through Al-Anon
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sleep in peace
"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake." Victor Hugo
It's a nice day outside with blue skies and wisps of cirrus clouds. The water has some ripples from an easterly wind. It's one of those days of neutrality of mind and spirit for me. I'm not feeling sad or sorrowful. Nor am I jumping for joy. I feel placid.
Not so many years ago, I was caught up in all the drama of living with alcoholism. I couldn't see any reason to keep going, to stay married, to do much of anything. Yet, I forced myself to do a lot. I still went to work, had hobbies, did work around the house. But it was as if I were sleep walking through life.
Now most days are easy like today. There isn't anything much on my mind. I've learned patience and acceptance. I've learned to have hope and live with faith.
I've had the great sorrows in life and will no doubt have more. But it feels today as if I can accomplish what I need to and at the end of the day, lay down and sleep peacefully.
That is evidence of God's grace so freely given to me. What a lucky guy I am.
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Syd,
ReplyDeleteSo far, this is my favorite post. Such wise words, such a beautiful quote, and such a lovely sweet dog.
Blessings to you,
SB
I particularly like and will take with me all day "I've had great sorrows in life and will no doubt have more. But it feels today as if I can accomplish what I need to and at the end of the day, lay down and sleep peacefully." Thank you for sharing these words.
ReplyDeleteI get this.
ReplyDeleteand the picture is perfect.
This ease is not something I was familiar with until I gave up control and insanity. Now, I adore these days and am thankful there are many many of them to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I'm a big fan of grace as all that I need and an explanation of EVERY good thing that is in my life today - including the truth that I know and the challenges that I face.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and aloha...
Hi, Syd -
ReplyDeleteYes, that is a great place to be. Thank you for reminding us of that!
- Marie (Coming Out of the Trees)
Sometimes even in the depths of severe sorrow, there is an overwhelming peace that can sneak up on you. Thank you for this post, I love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dog! Even more beautiful post. Yes, Syd, you are a lucky guy!
ReplyDeleteThey say a picture is worth a thousand words..but this picture is worth one priceless word..Serenity..I want to pet your dog!
ReplyDeleteNamaste
Love the picture of your bubber dog. I understand this post completely. jeNN
ReplyDeleteI stand with you in God's grace. We are soooo lucky!
ReplyDeleteOh I love the picture immensely; the picture sums of the eloquence of your words and sentiments.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the share and the elegant reminders of our recovery journeys.
Love
g
It is indeed an awesome thing when we realize that we are in the palm of His hand, covered in His grace. Love the photo on your post!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cheri
awesome
ReplyDeleteoh, to sleep like that pup.... and to be content in the middle... wonderful!
ReplyDeletethat's a great feeling... and a beautiful doggie too!
ReplyDeleteHow nice.
ReplyDeleteI can sooo relate to sleep walking through life. I heard a quote: "There is no softer pillow than a clean conscience." My 'inner' peace is always reflected in how I sleep. We are blessed by God's Grace. TGIF!
ReplyDeleteLovley photo and great quote. I will take this one to heart. TY have a Great weekend dear one,. SMILES
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and inspiring post, Syd. Thanks for reminding me that God is awake, and it's okay to take a break, knowing that He will be watching over me. *smile*
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of it as sleepwalking...thats exactly what I'm doing at the moment. But, I am trying very hard to take control....it's hard but I know one day I will be.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully said Syd. Reminds me of "The winds of grace are always blowing. All we have to do is raise our sails." Not sure who to credit...
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time reading your blog, I just started my recovery and I have to say that I was inspired by this post. I hope to get there and be there consistently.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful way to describe sobriety - Grace. There is definitely that subtle beautiful grace about it. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. As I read it, I became acutely aware the my alcoholic h is always coming to bed, wakes me up and asks me how can I sleep. Doesn't anything he does bother me??? I have my days, but mostly, I am like you, in that I can go about my day, and at night, sleep in peace, as God is awake. This was an awesome thought. THank you.
ReplyDelete